Anthony Everett, a human rights advocate, public theologian, and congregational coach/consultant, has been appointed to the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky staff as coordinator of the school’s Siloam Project, effective Dec. 15
Everett comes to his new role from service as executive director of Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, a Louisville, Ky.-based organization that advocates for and walks alongside formerly incarcerated individuals as they seek to build a new life beyond prison walls. He also is a coach/consultant with the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Coaching Network.
At BSK, he will provide leadership to an initiative that was created to accelerate the seminary’s congregation-centered approach to theological education. The Siloam Project strives to increase the quality of student formation for ministry, improve access for people who have limited opportunity for advanced theological study, and collaborate with partners to develop continuing education resources.
Funded by a nearly $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Siloam Project also will develop a network of “Learning Churches,” which will inform and help shape BSK’s approach to contextual theological education.
Everett is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. As the former associate director for African American Ministries with New Church Development for the Kentucky Conference, he brings with him experiences he gained from planting and supporting new faith communities, churches and ministries.
By Faith Magazine, a publication that serves Black United Methodist congregations and faith leaders, recently named Everett one of the inaugural recipients of its MLK Drum Major Award. The honor recognizies people who model Martin Luther King Jr.’s “courage and devotion to selfless community service.” An example of Everett’s community service is his role in founding the Centre for Prophetic Activism, a social justice enterprise that equips faith leaders, organizers, activists and social entrepreneurs working to bring justice in their communities.
Everett, a native of Washington, D.C., earned his undergraduate degree and his first theological degree from schools in Dallas, Texas. He holds the B.S. degree in organizational management magna cum laude from Paul Quinn College and the M.Div. degree with urban ministry certification from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. He received the D.Min. degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
“I am excited to join the staff of the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky and help students gain a richer, more meaningful experience as they put their seminary training into practice. Academy, church, and community are integral, necessary partners for congregational effectiveness in the 21st Century,” Everett said. “Already a national leader through the work of the Institute for Black Church Studies, BSK through the Siloam Project is primed to develop and share a body of knowledge based on best practices from the rich traditions of Black and White churches.”
BSK President David Cassady said Everett’s background and commitment have equipped him to give effective leadership to the Siloam Project. . “BSK’s Siloam Project will expand our focus on congregation-based theological education, helping churches and their leaders effectively tackle the pressing issues facing church and society in the 21st century,” he noted. “Dr. Everett brings rich experience and deep relationships to this work, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of his incredible leadership among our students and partners.”
About Baptist Seminary of Kentucky
Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky (BSK) develops women and men who are spiritually healthy, theologically reflective, and practically trained for life and ministry in faithful witness to Jesus Christ in the church and in the world. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, BSK is partnered with the National Baptist Convention and Simmons College of Kentucky (HBCU); as well as the Cooperative Baptist Fellowships of Kentucky, Virginia, Florida and the Caribbean Islands. Students from across more than 16 states are enrolled in programs with BSK, studying where they live and serve.
